Teams: Detroit Lions

Teams: Detroit Lions

Coach: Marty MornhinwegLast Year's Record: 2-14; Missed playoffs

Key Players

Joey Harrington (QB): Taken #1 by the Lions in the draft, this former Duck needs to fly quickly in the NFL for the Lions to turn their fortunes around. He'll have problems in the defense-heavy NFC North, but he's the key to the Lions' season. As he's a rookie, you shouldn't try to force too many plays with him. Start with short, easily-completed passes and then go for the big stuff.

Az-Zahir Hakim (WR): At least the Lions got some targets for lil' Joey to throw at. Hakim is a serious speedster, so look for him to spread the D. Either chuck the ball deep to him, or look for the things he frees up (for other players) in the middle of the field.

Bill Schroeder (WR): Another key offensive acquisition, Schroeder was the #2 receiver at Green Bay last year. He's got great hands, functioning primarily as a possession receiver, but he's fast, too, so don't hesitate to send him up top.

Team-Specific Plays

I Pro- Strong H Motion Dive: Send the two receivers in motion so that it looks like a deep pass, then handoff inside to the fullback. Brilliant, if it works.

Twins H Split- FB Sweep/Fake Rev, FB Sweep/Z Reverse: The first of the two is the more effective, as Schlesinger fakes, then continues on his way. The fake often freezes the defender, or causes him to commit, giving the fullback a wide lane upfield. Use it. On the reverse, the fullback gives to Hakim. Don't run this play into the teeth of heavy D... only use it when you've been passing well.

Key Run

I Pro- Weak Iso: Simple but effective, follow Schlesigner's block over the left side and be prepared to meet some tacklers. To clear the area a little, put Hakim in motion before the snap.

Key Pass

Quads- 90 All Slants: The Lions have a lot of speed at receiver, and this play exploits it. Just look for the guy who gets open first, and zing the ball in to him. Be careful of lingering linebackers and safeties who will pop up and get in the ball's path. Make sure everything clears in front of the receiver before throwing, or you will get picked.

Franchise NeedsThe Lions have addressed some offensive needs: receiver and QB, mainly. But they've got James Stewart at running back, so you might want to consider trading to get a more explosive back. Tiki Barber might be a good experiment, and Tim Biakabutuka might be worth a shot as well. You might want to try one of these two (or another back with good acceleration and strength) out in preseason before settling.

Another area where the Lions could improve is in the linebacking corps. Williams is a good start, but he needs company. Go after LaVar Arrington or Takeo Spikes (you might have to trade big to get one of these guys), because if you don't, you're going to give up some big runs and crucial passes.